GVRD takes over struggling Mare Island Sports Center

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District is taking over operations -- at least temporarily -- at the struggling Mare Island Sports Center, whose previous longtime operator was evicted last month after falling behind on his rent.

The short-term deal will allow the facility, which is used by a number of indoor sports clubs, to remain open while a long-term solution is sought, officials said.

The GVRD board Thursday unanimously approved entering into a license agreement with Lennar Mare Island to operate the facility through June. The Mare Island developer owns the 61,586 square-foot former naval building that houses the center, which originally opened in 1999 as the Pacific Sports Center.

The indoor facility is used by a number of soccer and volleyball clubs throughout the Bay Area, as well as youth and adult basketball teams. It also features four batting cages open to the paying public.

"We view it as an asset to the community and to Mare Island," Tom Sheaff of Lennar Mare Island told the GVRD board. "That's why we're here."

Former operator Michael Boyle, of Benicia, said Lennar had been supportive of the center in the past by allowing him to run rental deficits during slow times.

However, Boyle said he fell further behind in recent years due to the recession and dry winter weather which has slowed business for indoor leagues. As a result, when his lease came up for renewal in November, "Lennar decided not to renew it," he said.

A legal dispute followed as Lennar tried to evict Boyle, claiming he owed more than $26,000 in unpaid rent and related expenses, according to court documents.

The parties settled, agreeing that all of the equipment would remain on site while GVRD takes over short-term operations. In exchange, Boyle said Lennar agreed to forgive some of his debt.

Asked about the situation, Lennar spokesperson Ed Moser said in an email, "LMI and Mr. Boyle have reached a mutually acceptable agreement and are working cooperatively to ensure a smooth transition of the operations and management of the sports center with as little disruption to users as possible."

Boyle, who took over the business in 2004, said he's not "bitter or angry" about the situation, but wishes things would have worked out differently.

"GVRD coming in was actually a relief," he said. "I couldn't imagine where (the teams) would all go."

A message announcing the change on the center's Facebook page thanks users for their support over the last decade.

"It's been a pleasure serving Vallejo and the greater Bay Area's recreation needs," it says. "The faces and some procedures may change, but the purpose should not."

As part of the deal, Lennar has agreed to reimburse GVRD for any operational costs not covered by revenues, GVRD General Manager Shane McAffee said. Details about profit-sharing are still being worked out, he added.

McAffee said that the agreement will allow GVRD to assess the feasibility of operating the facility long-term.